Astros open spring training in Kissimmee

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Spring training has officially arrived at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Fla., with pitchers and catchers reporting today for physicals, a short meeting and light workout.

The clubhouse was buzzing this morning, with 29 pitchers and six catchers gearing up for what is shaping up to be a competitive camp, with roles to claim at catcher, closer and the starting rotation.

Most first popped into the clubhouse Friday, but a few, like Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers, were spotted for the first time this morning .

Osceola County Stadium is a cozy facility. Pretty nice for an “older” venue, actually.

And judging by the spider webs and dust on the seats, it’s starved for a crowd and some baseball.

Some quick updates:

• Every pitcher and catcher was accounted for as the Astros hit the auxiliary fields for workouts this morning.

• RHP Jeff Fulchino, the Astros’ rookie of the year for the 2009 season, will be limited in workouts because of a sore ankle.

• C Kevin Cash, a non-roster invitee, had shoulder surgery in the offseason. He has rehabbed successfully, but the Astros will keep an eye on him.

• RHP Brandon Lyon remains 10-14 days behind schedule after having a cyst in his throwing shoulder drained a month ago.

• OF Hunter Pence has been coming to the complex for the past few days to work out. Position players don’t report until Wednesday. So far, he’s the only one spotted.

• Manager Brad Mills on the desired intensity of camp:

“I told them we need energy. There’s a purpose for why we’re here. There’s a purpose for why we bring the pitchers and catchers in early, to get them ready.

“There’s a lot of guys in that room that played winter ball. Physically, they may be ahead of some other guys. There are some guys who haven’t been able to go outside and throw as much as others. We want these guys to not overdo it too much, that they’re able to come in and develop and get ready.

“They’re not going to be able to show us what they can do if they’re hurt.”